Tipperary TD Michael Lowry says the current overcrowding crisis in the Emergency Department in UHL is a clear indication that removing A&E services at Nenagh, Ennis and St. John’s in Limerick in 2009 was a mistake. The Independent TD is calling for the services to be restored given UHL’s population catchment of approximately 400,000.
Deputy Lowry is also critical of what he calls a lack of preparation for the current crisis given the warnings last year as regards a “twindemic” of Covid-19 and flu. Commenting on the situation in UHL the Thurles based TD paid tribute to the staff for their response but says it shows why staff retention is a challenge for the hospital. Deputy Lowry welcomes the increased use of the Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis Hospital and says the same must be done at Nenagh hospital to reduce the pressure on the ED in UHL and to also remove fears patients have about being referred to UHL.
